Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung OeAD

Overview

The Österreichischer Austauschdienst GmbH (OeAD), officially known as the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation, is Austria’s central organization for international cooperation in education, science and research. Established in 1961, OeAD operates as a non-profit limited liability company owned by the Republic of Austria, with ownership rights exercised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. According to uniRank research, OeAD serves as a key gateway for international collaboration, enabling Austria to actively participate in global education networks.

History and Legal Framework

Founded on November 13, 1961, as the “Austrian Foreign Students Service,” OeAD was initially an association aimed at supporting foreign students in Austria. In 2009, it was transformed into a federal limited liability company (GmbH). The organization's legal mandate includes implementing national, European and international education, training, science and mobility programs, as well as providing advisory services to the federal government and educational institutions. This transformation allowed OeAD to operate with greater flexibility while maintaining close ties to governmental policy frameworks.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

OeAD's mission is to support and strengthen Austria's higher education system through internationalization. Its vision is to establish Austria as a hub of academic excellence and intercultural exchange within Europe and worldwide. The agency's objectives align with various national and international strategies, including the National Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy 2020–2030 and the Austrian Higher Education Plan 2030. OeAD contributes to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4 for high-quality education and supports the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA).

Governance, Structure and Independence

As a non-profit limited liability company, OeAD is owned by the Republic of Austria, with ownership rights exercised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. This structure allows OeAD to operate with a degree of independence while ensuring alignment with national educational policies. The agency's governance includes a supervisory board and an executive management team responsible for strategic direction and operational oversight. OeAD's programs and activities are financed primarily by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs, the Austrian Development Agency and the European Commission.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

OeAD plays a significant role in the accreditation and quality evaluation processes within Austrian higher education. It administers various national and international funding programs, including those related to Erasmus+ and other EU educational initiatives. Through these programs, OeAD contributes to the enhancement of educational quality and the recognition of qualifications, ensuring that Austrian institutions meet international standards. Additionally, OeAD provides services related to the recognition of foreign qualifications through its ENIC-NARIC Austria center, which is part of the international networks ENIC (European Network of Information Centers) and NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centers).

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

OeAD is actively involved in international cooperation through its network of cooperation offices abroad, located in regions such as Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and China. These offices facilitate educational partnerships, research collaborations and mobility programs. Additionally, OeAD is a key player in various international networks and initiatives, including the European Union's Erasmus+ program and the European Research Area. The agency's internationalization efforts are guided by Austria's strategic objectives and contribute to the country's positioning as a leader in global education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

OeAD's impact on higher education is multifaceted, encompassing the facilitation of student and researcher mobility, the enhancement of institutional partnerships and the promotion of internationalization strategies. Looking ahead, OeAD aims to further strengthen Austria's position in the global education landscape by expanding its international collaborations and supporting the development of digital competencies among educators and students. The agency's initiatives, such as the establishment of the Digital Skills Office, demonstrate its commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in education and fostering a digitally competent society.

Summary

OeAD serves as a cornerstone of Austria's international education and research landscape. Through its comprehensive programs and strategic initiatives, it fosters global partnerships, enhances educational quality and contributes to the country's positioning as a leader in higher education. As Austria continues to engage in international educational dialogues, OeAD remains a pivotal entity in shaping the future of academic cooperation.

FAQs

• What is the OeAD?
  The OeAD is Austria’s central organization for international cooperation in education, science and research, facilitating various mobility and collaboration programs.
• When was the OeAD founded?
  The OeAD was founded on November 13, 1961, as the “Austrian Foreign Students Service.”
• What is the OeAD's legal status?
  The OeAD operates as a non-profit limited liability company owned by the Republic of Austria, with ownership rights exercised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.
• How does the OeAD contribute to higher education?
  OeAD supports higher education through the implementation of national and international programs, fostering student and researcher mobility and enhancing institutional partnerships.
• Where are OeAD's cooperation offices located?
  OeAD has cooperation offices in regions including Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and China, facilitating international educational collaborations.

Organization Name

Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung
Agency for Education and Internationalization

Acronym

OeAD

Year of Establishment

13/11/1961

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Ebendorferstrasse 7
Vienna
1010 Wien Austria

Phone

+43 (1) 53408-0

Fax

+43 (1) 53408 999

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Austrian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Austria.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.